Mary Lou Retton Opens Up About The Larry Nassar Scandal: 'We Were Lied To' | Access

Olympic champion Mary Lou Retton joins Access Live's Natalie Morales, Kit Hoover and guest co-host Rachel Lindsay and opens up about how she felt about the recent Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal.
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Mary Lou Retton Opens Up About The Larry Nassar Scandal: 'We Were Lied To' | Access
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[@crissy7312]

My childhood hero has fallen... When MaryLou said, the girls felt like they couldn't speak up - and to me - that's one of the worst things. The gymnasts DID speak up to members of USA Gymnastics - literally to her as she was on the Board and they buried the reports. AND Retton lobbied to limit victims' rights afterwards to protect USA Gymnastics. I will never forgive her for that alone. It's not just Nassar who is responsible for the abuse. All board members of USA Gymnastics are responsible as well.

[@MC-cg2rr]

@@catsincredulous9998 You’re abhorrent. You’ve reached the stars

[@Dobviews]

Feel the same. I started at 6 because of her. Even did well in the sport with my state. Now, I feel as if she has betrayed all of her fans. Never been so disappointed and angered in my life.

[@crissy7312]

@@Dobviews I'm so sorry. It is devastating. I found gymnastics because of MaryLou too. Still love the sport just am so angry/upset the athletes went through so much abuse (of all kinds). 😭

[@Dobviews]

@@crissy7312 It is just disturbing how she ignored the needs for the Sports Safety Act. If I were any of the ladies headed to Tokyo I would go, salute, do a handstand for each event and leave to the showers in protest. Athletes should refuse to perform if their needs are not being met. They should do so in a public arena to call attention to the issue. I find the whole ordeal abhorrent. So glad now I got injured and instead started taking Ninjutsu.

[@crissy7312]

@@Dobviews Sorry, just seeing your post. Athletes not participating would make an powerful statement... Maybe Worlds rather than the Olympics... It's not fair for athletes to give up more for USA Gymnastics' mistakes... I'd like to see Board members like Retton prosecuted for doing such a negligent job - governance is LITERALLY their job as a Board member. They failed 💯. I'm sorry you got injured, hopefully, you were able to fully heal/recover. I am glad you found another sport. 💓

[@Kc0586]

They knew. She knew. Everyone knew. Honestly, she's at fault too. Shame on her.

[@forliberty1805]

Yet she tried to stop a bill which would criminalize organizations like USA Gymnastics for failing to report sexual abuse to the authorities.

[@JamesFrew1]

For Liberty exactly

[@CarrietheCritic]

Why wouldn't Retton support that?

[@9mler]

Not only that, but when there were major scandals in gymnastics, and when the top gymnasts in the world were out there fighting for better treatment of athletes in the 80's and 90's, none of those movements gained traction, because their darling... Mary Lou Retton... remained silent. She kept her mouth shut for 30 years on all issues - until a bill was proposed to protect athletes from child sexual abuse, she decides to say "no, I don't want that. Keep them in danger of people like Nassar."

[@LawrenceMoranactor]

Exactly. She sat on the USAG board with Steve Penny for 8 years and continues to state that there was no oversight. SHE WAS A DIRECTOR!!!! Her job was to make sure there was effective oversight. She has lied for decades and continues to protect Steve Penny and the romanian hacks.

[@zebibtekle4889]

It's maddening that you need a bill for that. They knew of a crime and covered it up so they should have been charged with concealing a crime. Doesn't that happen in murder cases?

[@raymar3163]

Sorry but Mary Lou is full of it. She knew, they all knew.

[@jillsmcfarland2001]

Paid schill

[@em_mkay]

She shouldn’t be compared to legends like Nadia Comaneci and Olga Korbut. She’s nothing close to em’. She’s very full of it.

[@americancrimejournal]

She's a staunch republican, what do you expect?

[@Deer548]

She’s so obviously full of it. Good thing she was a gymnast, she’d have made an awful actress! Disgusting as the rest of them. Yuck!

[@catsincredulous9998]

They all loved it. If they were so distraught they would never have won Gold, much less bronze.

[@digitaljobshop]

One monster? The Karolyi's got away away with emotional and physical abuse of children.

[@11buleria]

Yes, there is a revealing documentary on Netflix about the Karolyis. They were exploiting and abusing female gymnasts in Romania before they established their Texas gymnastic center. They got famous because they discovered and developed Nadia Comanici (sp?) she was not treated well at all. Those young girl/ children were starved, controlled, over worked and psychologically intimidated. Who in a position of authority did anything to expose the truth? I guess the only thing that matters is winning and endorsements.

[@nasreenbasrai7010]

@@11buleria Nadia has never spoken against them...their way of training back then was very intense as they were competing against the best of the best n that is the USSR team (back then) n no other countries dominated gymnastics apart from the USSR till Nadia came on to the scene n changed it...they trained very hard n produced results that is how it went.

[@evasmith2705]

@@11buleria , what do you think , how they get to the top of the world?

[@bluefamily3937]

Nadia Comaneci emegrated to the US because of Karolyi's abuse and some out about it then....Why is everyone surprised?

[@bellissima78]

@@bluefamily3937 actually she defected after he did. The trainers after Bela were worse and the gov't limited the events (=money) she could participate in. She felt betrayed Bela "left" her and she does not speak ill of him and does not comment on the recent documents uncovered. But of course she thinks his ways were fine.... Communist Romania was a sh1thole. Abuse, poverty, no freedom

[@amandaf1]

"I haven't spoken out because I couldn't because of the legality of being on the board..." You can always find a way to speak out-- this is the United States-- she made a CHOICE to protect her position "on the board" over young gymnasts. Cowardly, keep-the-status-quo move.

[@anitabreakone]

She said they weren’t given all the information.

[@elledechenestudio]

Yes, and she actively campaigned to kill the bill to protect gymnasts. Complicit.

[@anitabreakone]

@@elledechenestudio 😞

[@anitabreakone]

@@elledechenestudio I didn’t know that. I would have never though she would do such a thing. 😞

[@snopesshop1903]

Shew is lying about the "legality". She actively worked to cover it up because she is part of the system.

[@mangohaeppchen3447]

I feel like she's mad that all of this came out - and did NOT like the image of the many women who were abused coming together. Does anyone else get that vibe?

[@americancrimejournal]

She is. She personally tried to get Dianne Feinstein to drop the bill for mandatory reporting, that pass the Senate with unanimous consent. She's a staunch republican, what do you expect?

[@Deer548]

YES. I definitely get that vibe. And if it happened to her daughter?..though it would NOT have as gymnasts of renowned parents were spared. The way Retton purposely emphasized ONE PERSON taking down the whole sport when it is obvious and all know this is not true.. like she knows she has a hand in it and is deflecting. Disgraceful!

[@margaretkinnaman8585]

She sure made sure that HER daughter was protected didn't she?

[@lg403]

There are some people who suffered from abuse who have her reaction, every individual processes their trauma in a different way...

[@pinksnapdragons2675]

@@americancrimejournal not sure what you are trying to say with your comment. I identify as republican and am completely disgusted that human beings decided that putting young people in such a terrible position in order to hide the facts, save face, make money, win gold, etc. Wrong is wrong regardless of political parties!

[@elledechenestudio]

"We were lied to." No, she continued to lie to cover up USA Gymnastics' complicity. She was part of that complicity. It is beyond sad that she betrayed young gymnasts.

[@bill45colt]

you allll are not in her place,,,,,,you have no idea how threatening these boards can be,,,,,,she was controlled by the board,,,,,she wasnt a free agent at any time,,,,,as they all were,,,,and thats what shes speaking about now,,,,the women in the sport are still controlled by the board, your very life and future career hinges on what you may say, and competitors know it,,

[@sandrasavage9650]

USA gymnastics have not reached out to Aly or Simone!!!!! DISGUSTING

[@fredrika27]

Not only that, they didn't look after Gabby Douglas either! It's sickening!

[@metalmonkey6262]

@@fredrika27 That girl made me sad, I saw her as a very happy smily girl at one olympics and the very next one the light wasn't there, she was by herself and it was incredibly sad to me. Now I guess its obvious what happened

[@fredrika27]

@@metalmonkey6262 I totally agree! Gabby looked miserable!

[@jenniferstewart2697]

When she said one person brought usa down...I don't agree with that...there are many who brought usa gymnastics down

[@suigeneris2663]

Including her.

[@missmoxie9188]

Her included. It was rotting from the inside out

[@debaratibiswas7975]

Why are they giggling so much!

[@evasmith2705]

b/c they are idiots.

[@frankesposito2182]

Exactly ...and she was on the board of directors ??? ...what a Joke !!!

[@trodairebeag]

She just admitted that Steve Penny flat out LIED to the rest of the board about Nassar!!!

[@catherines4088]

Not only did she spend decades defending the Karoylis every time there was an accusation of abuse but she also tried to get legislators to go easy on USAG. And now she’s bragging about the “enormity” of her accomplishment...to win when the best athletes weren’t there because their delegations boycotted. That’s not her fault but it’d be nice to hear her acknowledge it ONCE. Carly Patterson is our first true winner.

[@laurad324]

TurboCMinusMinus I don’t give a shit what she has done. Her recent shit is to try and stop a bill protesting youngsters from sexual abuse!

[@salemsalem1440]

She defended her trainer who spent dueling hours with...she said he was never abusive towards her. Nadia and Kerri said he was never abusive either he was just stern with them. She gave her input. Nothing wrong with that.

[@bellissima78]

@@salemsalem1440 There is something wrong when she tries denying the accounts of others, like she did with Domi. Also, Kerri Strug is a useless robot. She WAS abused mentally, if she was of sound mind she would have never done the 2nd vault. Moceanu's book details how she and Kerri were not "allowed" to socialize with the other Mag 7, were denied meals etc. Kerri Strug is TX trash to this day.

[@9mler]

Mary Lou Retton campaigned AGAINST a policy that would protect gymnasts from abuse - this policy was proposed in direct response to the Nassar scandal. So for her to go on this show and say "we were lied to" I'm sorry Mary Lou, but you are a pig. You stood for nothing in your entire career. When the top gymnasts in your time were all fighting for better treatment of athletes, you, the darling of USAG, didn't stand for anything. And when there was a major movement in the 90's involved eating disorders in gymnastics, once again, the darling Mary Lou did not do anything. The first time Mary Lou Retton stood for anything, was to fight a policy that would protect children from child sexual abuse. That's Mary Lou's legacy. How repulsive that this is what she decides to stand for, while the top gymnasts - some of whom were survivors of Nassar - continue to fawn over her.

[@GeeNoniGee]

Well, she's sure got it rough, now.

[@janeben-ami8754]

I think Mary Lou failed miserably. I think she endured it as well and did not make the changes needed. Just does not seem sincere

[@Jenjensexypants]

I attended the camp when I was younger. Even met the sick bastard of a dr. She’s just trying to cover her ass and save face for USAG. Everyone knew but they were determined to keep it all hush hush until they couldn’t. She’s either a liar or completely oblivious to everyone around her.

[@Jen-lc5yc]

@@Jenjensexypants she certainly likes the center of attention and talking about herself. Even years after the ' 84 games. Now she's a middle aged woman with osteoporosis, over bleached teeth and sound like she has a tooth loose. I'm glad you got away from that mess of a camp.

[@LawrenceMoranactor]

"We were lied to." You sat on the board with Steve Penny and it was the board's responsibility to provide oversight. Mary Lou, you will answer to God for your continued inaction over an 8 year period of being on the board of USAG. Change your eternal destiny by speaking out after all of these continued lies.

[@gopherstate777]

And you are not God brother so don't cast any stones!

[@yosemitesam9322]

@@gopherstate777 none of us are so I guess we should let things go and allow nassar along with other criminals go free.

[@sahpire75]

The Federation is practically the mafia. Sorry but Mary Lou isn't that powerful to handle such a situation. What did you want her to do? Their were many many people involved so blaming her is rediculous

[@DogHairRules]

There wasn’t just one bad actor, Mary Lou. That’s kind of the point. Talk about Bela!!!!

[@Jen-lc5yc]

You are absolutely correct. She could are less. She wouldn't dare shame the coach she worships. That's why I can no longer stand her. She stood up for him despite all the concerns over the years.

[@lauralarrabee7870]

Nobody is going to care than a Mom or parent. It’s nauseating watching Mary Lou trying to pretend she cares. This happened under her watch. She’s called Mary Lou wretched

[@Jen-lc5yc]

@@lauralarrabee7870 she always came across to me as a self absorbed person. As a child, I couldn't see it. Now, I can.

[@bellissima78]

She, Kim Zmeskal and Betty effin Okino all have Stockholm syndrome. The way they still stick up for Bela, Betty saying nobody was chained inside the gym and could have left....like GTFO.

[@frankesposito2182]

​@bellissima78 SHE is delusional... she said she was lied too? Are you kidding me... she could have done more to help instead of limiting rights of gymnast

[@kopec82]

I don’t believe her. The board knew it! They all knew

[@nikkib5753]

The board COULD NOT have known it because the complaints were never passed on to ANYONE. THAT was the problem. Educate yourself before making dumb comments.

[@letsdothis3332]

Then don't believe her. Who the hell are you? We're you there? Did you not say anything? Did you let it happen? I don't see her in jail. Do you complete idiots think that if she knew was something that bad was happening she wouldnt have said anyrhing? I mean what would she have gained by allowing kids to be molested? F!#$@?* idiots.

[@nikkib5753]

@@letsdothis3332 exactly!! Especially Mary Lou. She has 4 daughters. She WOULD NEVER keep quiet about such a thing. They really ARE logic lacking morons considering the biggest part of the complaint is that the very few select number of key people who it was reported to, DID NOTHING about it but keep it secret, which is WHY no one knew for SO SO LONG!!! So you are gonna have people who served on the board & never KNEW because it came out MANY years later. It's called "common sense" people.

[@letsdothis3332]

@@nikkib5753 thank you. She probably would have used those powerful legs of hers in squared him in the groin and cracked his neck

[@lisastiles1408]

Nikki B You only have to watch her face when she said “that they didn’t feel like they could come tell ME...” to know that she didn’t know, and it pains her, personally, that such an environment existed while she had any authority in the organization.

[@snopesshop1903]

She is a villain in this entire shitshow.

[@danlewis8019]

Really Bro. You can go ahead and hit those 2 buttons on that shirt

[@Jupe367]

And the 2 inch hair.

[@mindyirwin800]

Mary Lou retton is like Tonya Harding but skating's for better

[@trestonmalone5072]

😂😂😂 oh my god. Fr though!!

[@luvlivown5800]

😂😂

[@catsincredulous9998]

Gud Lawd!

[@caveman726]

One 👹?! OH NO MARY LOU. HOW ABOUT THE COACHES AT THE RANCH?

[@Inyourlap]

What a hypocrite

[@suigeneris2663]

These people should be ashamed of themselves. Sick.

[@johniii8147]

That’s nonsense she didn’t at least suspect what was going on.

[@mikemurray1047]

MaryLou and Larry Nassar were engaged to be wed several years ago. Nassar backed away and left MaryLou in tears. He was such a mean man

[@unfuzzy]

"first gold for the u.s." -- it kinda helped that the soviet bloc countries weren't participating

[@That389]

I love when she said her 16 year old daughter who is Emma but instead of showing her they showed her daughter makenna who’s in college 😂 idk I just found it funny 😆

[@deemariedubois4916]

What's with the guy with the unbuttoned shirt.

[@mht4908]

Sasha Cohen

[@stacitowery3475]

I was just about to ask the same thing.

[@shannonbrown560]

That open shirt is inappropriate

[@ifeelpretty5790]

Boxer 2000 Sasha Cohen is a female figure skater. This is Sasha Farber, who was Mary Lou Retton’s dance partner on Dancing With the Stars.

[@mht4908]

@@ifeelpretty5790 oh whoops sorry

[@MrCph2200]

Wow!!! 1. The first 1 minute and around 20 second she acts normal. 2. They are talking sexual abuse 3. New topic, and she immediately shifts into LAUGHING HYSTERICALLY ALL THROUGH the rest of the interview. Something is COMPLETELY off here!!

[@davidrobertson1060]

Well she looks like she's on something and what is wrong with her eyes it's like she can't keep them open not really sure when this took place but wow yes agreed with you, she's almost as bad as nasser wtf is wrong with people she laughed and giggled when she was defending these board people like trying to hide what she was saying by laughing, she's weird......

[@missmoxie9188]

She doesn’t care That’s all it is

[@telenovella1169]

Ecaterina Szabo got robbed

[@lauraklaverkamp4780]

"its sad that one monster is going to bring the whole sport down" really Mary Lou? One monster? There is not only Larry? Kerry Perry, Steve Penney, and more, you litterally just need to listen to gymcastic, all of usag is a sh*t show! Mary Lou, when you got announced for dwts I was disappointed they would choose you after you advocated with Steve Penney against the Senate Bill and could only hope you would speak out against your previous actions, you haven't, and clearly you still don't understand the situation

[@snopesshop1903]

Laura Klaverkamp please bring the sport down. Please.

[@mjamitche5245]

The problem is that she doesn't care. All she talked about was USAG and was not supportive of the actual gymnasts who are trying to move forward.

[@koolaidman6251]

She feels more sorry for a rapist than she does for the hundreds (thousands!) of girls he raped. Disgusting. That whole attitude is EXACTLY what kept these girls in the chains of shame (oh, gosh, I sure wouldn't want to bring down the sport! It would be all my fault and the sport is the only thing that matters!) Also Simone Biles is ROCKING IT in spite of the terrible sexual abuse she suffered, so anyone who claims that the sport is "dying" can shove it.

[@mrhumboldthippy]

Its called hush $$

[@rachelplows3001]

I'm glad she's finally admitting that something actually happened

[@denalowry8710]

Mary Lou Retton lied. She was on the board of USA gymnastics. No way she did not know

[@shiraflax5876]

It’s disgusting that she responds focusing on the future of the sport rather than the horror these young girls have endured!

[@seancaceres619]

Dummy, she called him a monster before she focused on the future of the sport. Pay attention!

[@generalshakewell]

It's disgusting how dumb you are.

[@celiagorleski2716]

I don't think this is the time to attack Ms. Retton.

[@randomvintagefilm273]

Why did these hosts not press her on this issue more? Why does the media protect her?

[@jeanskilling708]

Parents need to teach their kids how to tell. That it's ok to tell. Untill then it will keep happening!

[@mjamitche5245]

The gymnasts didn't know it was molestation because the doctor told them it was a medical procedure and the gymnastics administration said that if they didn't get the treatment they wouldn't be able to compete. It's a sticky situation that can't be patched over by blaming the kids & parents. The gymnastics administration shouldn't have ignored reports for 20 years and they should have sent someone into the treatment rooms to watch that asshole. They really shouldn't have unleashed that predator into the hotel rooms where even parents & coaches couldn't get in.

[@PhenixJoe]

He was literally sticking his thumb up their butt for injured shoulders and knees. Some of these girls were 17+. Come on.

[@8352731]

The predators that molest hunt their victims carefully ... they are looking for children who won't tell because most often those children don't have some to tell, or trust. The kids have other issues that are already overwhelming and their abuser seduces them into trusting them, turning to them for comfort .....

[@ravenel2]

Unfortunately, it is not okay to tell. It’s why grown women don’t report an abusive boss or partner-women are dragged through the mud so badly that it’s safer sometimes to keep quiet. Everyone assumes that some warrior army automatically drops out of the sky to save everyone if a girl tells. This only happens if the person they tell is ethical, brave, and willing to fight the nastiest fight of their careers or lives for another human (parents usually love their daughters enough to fight, but not everyone does, they just want the problem to go away). This is why it takes 156 girls to bring down one esteemed male Olympic doctor.

[@tacksscherbo7771]

@@ravenel2 You are so right!! It took my wife many years before she told me, that she was abused badly when a young lady and when she reported it to her parents, THEY wouldn't believe her!!! Back then, with some people, everything seemed to be the girl's fault. She was devastated, so not long after that humiliation, she left home. Then, when she was a bit older, someone else tried to have his way with her saying he wanted to give her something to remember him by. He bruised her shoulders badly when she fought with him, but, when she could, she grabbed his hand and sank her teeth into his fingers hard enough so she bit through his flesh right to the bone. She told him now HE has something to remember HER by. There were significant hissies and repercussions because of that, but in the end, she won. She said many times in the last couple of years, after this all came to light about our gymnasts, that a good set of teeth can be quite useful. That's when she told me that when our girls were young, she taught our daughters when to use theirs if necessary!! Pity those girls in leotards didn't have my wife's coaching.

[@bryancorley5068]

Dominique Moceanu along with Aly Raisman for Head of Gymnastics USA! ASAP!!!

[@em_mkay]

Yes! Dominique moceanu for president

[@justincartwright252]

OMG. She would be AMAZING. She'd be just what those girls need!!!

[@SonOfAGun1814]

the girls were made to feel they couldn't speak out BECAUSE OF THE KAROLYI'S, which are the same coaches mary lou had. they missed a golden opportunity to segue to that when she said that.......

[@Jen-lc5yc]

She worshipped the Karolyis too. I remember an interview when she affirmed that Bella's training system absolutely works. So she's already brainwashed. Can't stand her now..

[@SonOfAGun1814]

@@Jen-lc5yc gymnasts were speaking up about bela decades ago, and mary lou has this very inflated idea of who she is and her gold medal moment and bela was such a big part of, that it tarnishes her own legacy and brings her down if he's brought down which is why she always held him up regardless of what was really going on.

[@Jen-lc5yc]

@@SonOfAGun1814 indeed. I remember when Sabrina Mar and Kristy Phillips were the it girls. They disappeared too. Both sad. Both abused.

[@UTClassof]

Can the guy button up his shirt? That's gross

[@meh1943]

Reston has forever stained herself.....shame on her

[@thangvuong9196]

Too little too late, you were part of the delegation that claimed nothing was happening at the Karolyi ranch. You should be ashamed of yourself for keeping silent.

[@bartenationalbart-email-na3284]

Mary Lou was brain washed from childhood to think the only goal was olympic gold. AT ALL COSTS.

[@AlyssaRicks]

@@bartenationalbart-email-na3284 she's long been an adult, she should and does know better

[@juanantoniomoreno3409]

ANd inspired thousands of women around the world to do the same. I mean, talk about being tone def.

[@obiedrier4841]

Thang Vuong I never understood the draw anyway. She may have won, but she was boring.

[@suebrown5252]

she was a CHILD! no shame in silence since she too was assaulted

[@jennfontan188]

It's not one monster who brought down the sport....... it's 100's!!!! And it's disgusting and all these people should be investigated

[@RealProgressive-sy5oy]

MTV's Road Rules of 1995. Kit Hoover. I remember that face after all of these years. She has a very rememberable face.

[@steveedward5074]

She doesn't talk about any abuse from the Koralies.

[@ylekiote99999]

Let's be honest....No one would even know who Mary Lou was if the whole eastern block didn't ban the 1984 Olympics. All the best gymnasts in the world were from those countries.

[@CarrietheCritic]

Don't discredit the woman!

[@ylekiote99999]

@@CarrietheCritic it's true. So many Americans don't even know about that ban because Americans don't recognize anyone BUT Americans. Retton would have been lucky to be in 6th or 7th place in any of these events had the gymnasts from the banned countries been there.

[@margaretkinnaman8585]

The Soviet block wasn't banned from the 1984 Olympics, they boycotted them in retaliation for the USAs boycott of the Moscow 1980 Olympics. Up until the 1990's Russia/ Soviet bloc countries owned women's gymnastics, like the USA does now. Until the mid 1980's fewer then 5 American women had ever won a medal in elite international gymnastics. And none of the medals were gold. Silver was the highest win for the USA. Russia, Romainia, Czechoslovakia, Hungry, East Germany, Poland dominated the sport.

[@nasreenbasrai7010]

So true

[@nasreenbasrai7010]

The US gymnasts started winning because they got the coaches who had trained Nadia.Simple .US was never on the gymnastics top list before that.

[@rjpd8143]

Let’s pump the breaks, she won at a boycotted olympics. Ugh.

[@markb7163]

Ekaterina Szabo should have won the all around in 1984. The only reason MLR won is because it took place in the USA.

[@Catherine-qe3ku]

"you should be the president" *face palm*

[@eldonalfonso3543]

L

[@TheBubblegum77]

🤮 no

[@Katwoman4318]

Mary Lou were you abused? I’m sure she has a story. One day she’ll tell us. We were lied to.

[@missmoxie9188]

She DID the lying

[@markb7163]

Never did care much for this gymnast. Never should be compared to greats such as Olga Korbut and Nadia Comaneci...and I do not believe that she never knew what was happening!

[@em_mkay]

Yep. She was nothing close to Korbut and Comaneci

[@catsincredulous9998]

Fed the women to Nassar like steak to a lion! Savage! Nassar has been wronged. He nursed them back to health after an injury. With love.

[@nasreenbasrai7010]

Absolutely Nadia, Olga n the Soviet gymnasts back then are in no comparison to these gymnasts now in style,timings,grace n greatness of the sport. They had a completely different style which was classy n athletic leaner,slimmer,graceful.

[@zahedah80]

So basically ML is saying it doesn't matter who is on the freaking board....because anyone on it can be "lied to"

[@JoshuaFazeli]

“We were lied to.” You were Steve Penny’s wing woman for most of those 8 years on the board. Come on, Mary Lou, I love you, but really?

[@JamesFrew1]

Joshua Fazeli I don’t love her anymore.

[@catherines4088]

Joshua Fazeli and now he’s going to jail. It’d be nice to see some action taken against MLT, at least by USAG

[@46foryounger]

😢💔

[@letsdothis3332]

Then don't believe her. Who the hell are you? We're you there? Did you not say anything? Did you let it happen? I don't see her in jail. Do you complete idiots think that if she knew was something that bad was happening she wouldnt have said anything? I mean what would she have gained by allowing kids to be molested? F!#$@?* idiots.

[@letsdothis3332]

Are you kidding me???? I know of married couples that spend 50 years together,have grandchildren and children and never know that the husband is either cheating or wants to be a woman.

[@Dobviews]

I loved MLR as a kid. I had all of her little workout records, gymnastics gear everything. Never thought I would be so effing disappointed in her. I just find her obvious deflection disconcerting and fake. You were on the board young lady and blaming the girls for "not coming to you". I highly suggest you take some time to work with DV, abuse and rape victims. It is *not* about you dear! Supporting the denial of a billl for sex victims rights to be protected in the future with proper recourse... down right shameful. If I were in front of you today I would turn my back on you with disdain and disgust. You just betrayed every young woman you supposedly mentored around the world. Hope you are proud of yourself dear. Thanks for ruining my childhood memories. I just tossed all of my own trophies in the trash. Frack it.

[@PattieM]

People need to know the truth and I can tell they aren’t going to like it.

[@millers3888]

Mary Lou always respected the Karolyis, but I always got the sense that she was uncomfortable with Béla. Being one of the first American gymnasts (and the first to win all around gold at the Olympics) to train at their gym, I bet she has stories to tell. But like several people before the #MeToo movement, she kept quiet.

[@mjamitche5245]

No, Mary Lou defended the Karolyis and Bela by name when Dominique Moceanu came forward and when Little Girls in Pretty Boxes was first written. She said she had never had problems with them. Which is fine if she didn't get abused, but she shouldn't have denounced girls who were speaking up. It's a shame that she didn't believe anyone until a criminal trial was underway.

[@catherines4088]

Michael she literally defended bela over decades anytime a gymnast told her truth

[@coralee2430]

Wow, shame on her and she has daughters. She should have known better. She really would have been a hero if she would have spoken out. Now we can just introduce her to the hall of shame.

[@46foryounger]

Michael thank you finally somebody who gets that in that day and age women didn’t come out the way they do today women didn’t have the support that they do today to come and speak out and a lot of people don’t recognize that I’m not excusing what she might’ve done but none of us know what’s really going on behind everything specifically with her and quite frankly I don’t think you will ever know because like I said she comes from a different generation you know the older generation they don’t like to talk about shit like that today everybody wants to talk about every little thing if they stop their toll on the door they want to have a whole conversation and go to therapy for it we live in different times today the people from those days didn’t have that luxury to come out and speak without being tortured for it. Back in the 90s there was that Romanian girl who spoke out against it Dominique Marciano and she was shunned look it up because I know there was a whole interview with her and she was talking about the training in the abuse and all of that and everybody was shutting her it was a different time back then and nobody seems to get that

[@millers3888]

@@mjamitche5245 The Karolyi’s were abusive in the way they coached. Physical and emotional abuse. So many of the great female American gymnastic Olympians trained with the Karolyi’s, and no one said a word. While terrible, it’s very different from the sexual abuse and rapes that occurred under Larry Nassar. To put this much blame on Mary Lou, who was misguided in her defense, is unfair I feel. Should Shawn Johnson also be blamed? She wrote a glowing article about the Karolyi’s and Karolyi ranch in 2012.

[@mima8862]

Someday she’ll come out with the truth and write a book about it and get millions. She was abused too she’ll tell us and that she was in denial

[@koolaidman6251]

I have no respect for this woman anymore. She represents everything wrong with the sport -- she promoted the abuse of children for decades, constantly defending a man who forced a 14yo girl to JUMP ON HER BROKEN LEG FOR 8hrs/DAY, and even now she doesn't care for the victims at all. . just all her cronies who are being called out for the rape-defenders they are. SHAME ON YOU MARY LOU! SHAME SHAME SHAME SHAME.

[@su-rv2uq]

You don't know what you are talking about. Just shut it.

[@koolaidman6251]

@@su-rv2uq Watch the news. USAG officials are going down like flies. They are all guilty.

[@silveradotow957]

@@koolaidman6251 ooh it's not cool but hot dare

[@beppobarrendero74]

It's easy for people to critizice. But Mary lou doesn't deserve that. She is great she'll always be.

[@carmenavila2621]

She avoided and changed the conversation....ao not to talk about what happened to the girls and focused on what will happen to her position .....very sad and disappointing....she did not once mention the situation ....about what that man did and all the responsability that comes with it but of what is going to happen to the sport and her plans of being apart. She is clearly scated and worried about her position.. did it happen to her too?

[@ladedalounge]

I pray you get well Mary Lou, we are rooting for you!!!!

[@sdavis5001]

I remember him just starting out with the pro athlete gymnasts; he was was not "known" yet, but he was in that team of doctors surrounding Kerri Strug in '96. Knowing now; I cannot imagine....I do not want to. Just seeing him all around Strug's stretcher at the Olympics totally freaks me out (I still watch it|). As far as Marylou........this is all new news to me. I had no idea she knew anything, I never did full research on anyone who had been aware. That will be my next step, and come to my own conclusions. It's always of interest to read what others write!! It is 2024, blessing everyone if watching a wonderful rest-of-your-summer!! 💜

[@MrVpassenheim]

She looks older than 50.

[@metalmonkey6262]

Right, also talks like elderly lady

[@allisonrharris6664]

Thats because she abused alcohol

[@ivyhunter2509]

Never liked her

[@gregorycarlson6632]

Mary Lou, you will always be a champion!!😊👍🙏

[@jaredc3388]

She looks like a young Julie Andrews sort of..... Julie Andrews back in the 60s maybe, LOL

[@robertwiley3171]

Will it happen again? Probably yes given the empty duck and cover aditude; I don't know... and so on and so on! This is becoming a festering wound and the doctor wants to lance it with his fingers. Time to call the A team and that's certainly not these drunk on fame celebrity capped teeth athletes. Sorry Mary Lou but you deserve it ....

[@CarrietheCritic]

I can't help but cry. 😢

[@gordocarbo]

Was so rampant back then and its true..nobody dare speak of it or they would get blamed. .

[@jeanzei]

Biles should watch this

[@ohboy6258]

The box is probably as stale as hers is

[@LL-wu8ge]

I think it will be interesting to see how she dances. Many gymnasts have faired well on the show.

[@suehadden6142]

Idk WHAT she did to her face, but she looks awful.

[@RealProgressive-sy5oy]

I remember Mary Lou, it was huge when she kicked butt at the Olympics. I remember that other girl there when she starred as one of the participants in probably one of the first reality TV shows aired. I can not remember the name. I remember she visited a nudist camp and she was a good sport and supposedly got in the hot tub with this old big man. He really had to talk to get her to take oof her clothes and get into the hot tub with him. That must have been twenty years ago.

[@cybersquire]

"We were lied to." No, you plugged your ears and hummed The National Anthem really loud. The fact you continue to worry more about USA Gymnastics than the safety of innocent girls speaks volumes.

[@tinaschlobohm9386]

Why didn't ANY of those girls feel like they could talk to her?

[@mercuryfever392]

Every time they spoke out, they got reprimanded or their accusations were brushed aside.

[@silveradotow957]

@@mercuryfever392 no boarder's,open fer attack

[@edthesecond]

I'm with Mattie Larson-(To Larry Nassar) "How much I f****** hate you!"

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

Who's the guy in the lounge lizard get up?

[@caveman726]

Really?? Shirt 👦?

[@llisamichele]

What is up with his “Unbuttoned” shirt. 😳😵‍💫😳 I guess that’s how they do it in his Country Whooo Hooo go ahead, show it off ✨🌟💫

[@mjamitche5245]

I hope Gabby Douglas is next for Dancing with the Stars!

[@christiner.walker6485]

I hope they cancel Dancing with the Stars. Stop putting celebrities and sports icons on pedestals and you won't be disappointed when they turn out ot be human.

[@rodney1279TheFlip]

Mary Lou Retton has not changed much. She looks great.

[@lhbfiness1251]

Yeah a facelift will do that.

[@pappyschmears]

She looks 60 years old and is creepy.

[@silveradotow957]

@@pappyschmears wow, age show s what is dare ,Anna watts left,most says she hot,honest er flattered,day show hafta tow me she is now

[@silveradotow957]

@@pappyschmears well age,tows no lies,I see watts dare fo show,laugh at a broken tow,but I wood a been crying Anna reel

[@leebeatle8690]

what a fantastic Lady love her...

[@user-hs4jz7pw6g]

HEY HO AND AWAY WE GO!😢😂😅

[@BrainyRedheadedAngel]

I’ve met Mary Lou Retton. I’m not liking her now. Why is she laughing and smiling? That’s a sign of covering up! 😡

[@iVenge]

Let’s NEVER FORGET, that Retton is who she is because the Russians didn’t show up. It’s easy to win big when your opponents are not present.

[@virginiatrailcameravideos]

So interesting to see all these armchair quarterbacks talking about how to run a Board of Directors as if they are suddenly experts on everything. The internet is alive and well.

[@snopesshop1903]

She’s a gymnastic stepford wife. I will never forgive her.

[@su-rv2uq]

Why do YOU need to "forgive" her? What did she do to YOU?

[@silveradotow957]

@@su-rv2uq the stepfor views Che sait

[@snopesshop1903]

@@su-rv2uq She helped destroy the life of my cousin.

[@carrillo1989]

Do not be confused, the patriarchal dynamic means that all the people around a situation of gender-based violence are not aware and are involuntary accomplices. The responsibility lies with the rapist and with the people who allow the violence directly. I work with teachers in the prevention of violence and it is very common that they do not know what to do, they do not know the protocols or they feel helpless in such a situation.The context in each specific situation is important.

[@Paulo-fq7xl]

Shame on you Retton

[@cristinabb9956]

To be a gymnasts at an olympic level training from a young age, you need two things: to have the strong will, desire to be the best but also to be capable to do the though work. So yeah..it can feel abusive that you have to starve yourself not to gain weight, to be always disciplined and do the programme. Of course your couch will find ways to motivate you and challenge you...or you will give up and sacrificed for nothing. Only the strong willed and hardworking will become the best. Of course..sexual abuse is not part of the training. I don t know the details of it, but I do believe that most of the gymnasts were too young to know exactly what was happening to them. I don t believe that the Karolyis knew or anybody else. But my question is: ok...your coach doesn t believe you or doesn t want to hear it...but how about your parents? Aren't they supposed to be the closest persons to you...to be able to tell all? Didn t they want to hear it? Or didn t they believe their own children? Or..maybe they let it go for the sake of the glory? I mean...I would first speak to my mom about it..she is supposed to be the one always available to listen to me, the one who knows me very well and can tell if I lie about it or not and the one who should preotect me! What did their parents do?

[@kimyata07]

I'm watching this late but this is a pretty sick interview. MLR is saying she doesn't know about what the "state of gymnastics" will be in the future as if the previous state was perfectly fine. She could have used her platform to speak to operating with dignity and respect in the future. To train hard but to still value the young athletes. MLR, it is possible for the system to operate in a culture that is not degrading or criminal. It's time to value the athletes and not put the organization above their well-being.

[@dinorahdarby4499]

Mary Lou , so good to see you. One of the best personalities in gymnastics!

[@groggyfrog749]

Yeah right. Lol.

[@pensacolian211]

There are perverts everywhere, and to pretend otherwise at this point is just ignorant. The world is a dangerous and disgusting place. So many people assume that they know and can trust people, but the truth is you can't trust anybody, especially when it comes to who has access to your children.

[@greenwolfegreen6028]

It seems to me that those who are commenting here are more interested in blaming Mary Lou for all of the abuses of Larry Nassar than they are of condemning Larry Nassar himself. Place the blame where it belongs.

[@edthesecond]

Looks to me like those who are commenting are angry because people like Mary Lou knew what Nassar was doing and covered for him to protect their money and power and now they're trying to cover their butts, kind of like Oprah finally turned on Harvey Weinstein when it was the convenient time to switch sides.

[@RebRoseland]

Shawn Johnson east

[@cgeorge6786]

So many weird comments here. She was a great gymnast and is an amazing person.

[@DevTisFilm]

Because she won’t support with survivors from sexual abuse… she fight against bill for protecting from sexual abuse… she’s trashy

[@bernitacenteno1326]

I know little about the topic, so I turned off this video after a minute. I wish her to DO GOOD NOW.

[@leilanisunsets1362]

My mother made me have that hairdo too many times because I had thick hair, I had the Bobb 2 and the Dorothy Hamill. She never let me have my hair long till I got old enough and moved out of the house congratulations on your Wheaties box have you thought about growing your hair long just to see what it would look like on the box congratulations

[@unknown-lf6zx]

Omg I'm still traumatized by my mom making me get the dorothy hammil haircut when I was 3-6 aged. Not cute lol.

[@traciebolton1951]

Mary Lou, SHAME ON YOU. Bella turned you into his robot too. Can't you see that only a person with no soul would back a bill like that.

[@AvisWrentmore]

Mary Lou is a Legend:) love love love her:)